You've got your website set up, you're blogging on a regular basis, and the next step is to generate some additional income. Have you thought about adding a resources page to your website or blog? Do you even need a resource page on your site?
Resource pages are not only a way for you to earn extra income, but also where you can keep all the handy resources that your audience will need to achieve their goals. It keeps your links in one handy place for you to access and it needs updating a couple of times a year. In terms of time taken / effort to the outcome, this piece of content is a winner!
What To Include In Your Resources Page
I have two resources pages on this site:
- Marketing Resources
- Email Marketing Resources
And over time as I build out more lead nurturing funnels, I'll add in some more, including a blogging resources page. So first of all, your resource pages should be topic or niche-specific. A general resources page is fine, but specific ones will work better. Just like people search for xxx and then the word “review” in order to make a buying decision, they also search out resources, and as you increase your own influence they will search out the tools and resources that you use.
My marketing resources page is a landing page. The page is a template from Thrive Architect who also happens to have a very nice resource template that you can use.
I share two resources to commonly asked marketing questions – Where do I get hosting from and what theme should I use?
To make this section more impactful, I need to share why these resources are the ones that I recommend. Saying they're the best isn't going to be enough. In the themes column, I explain that Thrive themes are built for websites that need to work, and they do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to marketing your website.
In the hosting section, I recommend Siteground and explain that the reader will be looked after really well, and that you can use the tools that Siteground supplies in order to install WordPress, the self-hosted version. I also explain to the reader that as their site grows, they will need more robust hosting and that Siteground will help transfer your site from your former host to them.
In the final segment of my marketing resources page I have some of the related services that I offer, and links to valuable content that the reader will find useful, in particular, the where to get images from a post.
Are all the Resource Page Links Affiliate Links?
No, they're not, and they shouldn't be. You may be reading this and thinking that this is a fantastic way to earn cash and all you need a page that you can cram links to products on… Don't. Just don't do it. It looks like spam, feels like spam and it's a complete waste of a valuable page on your website.
Although resource pages are good for earning recurring passive income, if it's just a page stuffed with links and no explanations or images, it will be pretty dull and unlikely to boost your reputation.
You can and should direct people to related content that you have, and related services. You also need to have your disclaimer on the page. I include mine in the sidebar of all my content. If page is a landing page, it's included in a link in the footer of the page. If readers wish to click this they will see my declaration of potential compensation which I will squander on glasses of fresh lime juice, kickboxing training, and WordPress plugins.
I personally always assume the relationship and have no problem with people using affiliate links (I even ask for them), however, some readers think that the person supplying all this useful information shouldn't be rewarded for their effort. Do not worry about them, they're the minority and Karma is waiting for them. Their mindset is not your problem.
Does The Resources Page Have To Be a Page And Called “Resources”?
Actually, it can be a blog post as well. This now gives me an idea for tomorrow's blog post… Whether it's a post or a page, the format is similar and it has the reader's first focus.
You don't have to call your resource page by that name. If your audience prefers to call it a “reading list” then call it a reading list. If it's a dream tool list or “must-haves” page, it doesn't matter. Your readers just have to know what it is, and what it means to them.
Whatever you call it, make sure that your resource page is something that you'll be proud to share on a regular basis.
Sarah
P.S Wondering how to promote your resources page and don't want to schedule it to go out on Twitter or Facebook? Add it to your navigation and a link at the bottom of every email that you send out. Your readers will be interested in the resources that you use, and you'll be adding value to your relationship without even realising!
